Pascal Jolivet Pouilly-Fumé 2017

Producer Information

Pascal Jolivet was founded in 1987 and is one of the most dynamic domaines in France’s Loire Valley. Based in Sancerre, the domaine now owns 70 hectares of vineyards spread across the appellations of Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé. The domaine supplements the estate holdings with additional fruit sourced from long-term contract growers some of the prime sites of the region including ‘Les Caillottes’, ‘Le Chêne Marchand’ and ‘Le Clos du Roy’. Pascal shares his philosophy with winemaker, Valentina Buoso: to work in harmony with nature to produce wines with purity of fruit, a linear character and minerality, allowing a natural expression of the vineyard to give the wines a sense of place.

Vineyards

Pouilly is situated 200km south of Paris, on the east bank of the Loire. Jolivet own 8 hectares, in the villages of Les Loges, St Andelain and Tracy. Located close to the Loire River and surrounded by forest creates a relatively mild micro climate for the vineyards. The soils in Les Loges (50% of blend) are chalky, giving the resultant wine length and body, while in St Andelain (30% of blend) and Tracy (20% of blend) flint and clay dominate. The grapes grown in these soils add ripeness and fruit to the character to the blend.

Winemaking

After harvest, the grapes are hand sorted and then gently pressed. The juice is then fermented in stainless steel using natural yeasts, at 16°C for 33 days. The grapes from each parcel are fermented separately. After fermentation, the wine spends a further two months ageing in stainless steel before bottling.

Vintage Information

“Once again, frost caused significant crop loss in the Loire Valley, especially in Muscadet. Quality and concentration is good, with Chenin Blanc being particularly noteworthy in 2016 while Sancerre is thought to be the best of the Sauvignon Blanc appellations. Cabernet Franc is ‘delicious, ripe and fruity’ according to Loire courtier Chris Hardy.” www.jancisrobinson.com

Tasting Note

Vibrant yellow colour with restrained aromas of citrus, apple and flint. It is precise and layered with clean, driving acidity, elegance and finesse.